The argument would hold more weight if this war had anything to do with human rights. Even those on the right would agree that this has more to do with U.S. self-interest than "liberating" the people of Iraq. No that there's anything wrong with waging a war for our nation's own self-interest, but be HONEST about it.

OK, I'm not commie_050_, but MY answer to your question is:Maybe. The thing is, so many different half-baked rationales for war have been floated by the administration, I have no idea WHY they are fighting this war.

Nat Hentoff's reasons for supporting the war are compelling, but if they aren't the administration's reasons, we don't really know if the abuses of the populace will stop. As of this moment, I have no idea who will replace Saddam, or what kind of government, if any, will be put in place. Lots of things have been floated, but the administration has changed tack so many times, who knows.

So, if the administration told the truth, forcefully, and the war was about stopping Saddam's abuse of the populace, permanently, I'd be in favour. If the administration is willing to sell out the populace of Iraq to achieve some other goals, I'd be opposed. The untruthfullness and lack of clarity from the administration, at this point, makes it impossible to make a decision as to the 'justness' of the war, from my point view. And again, from my point of view, if the justness of the war isn't confirmed, I can't support dropping bombs that will kill people going about their everyday lives.

So the lack of honesty of the administration, for me, is a factor in not supporting the war.

A good article I thought. To me, it really illustrates the problems I have with a great deal of the anti-war protestors. Good WILL come of this war. Saddaam IS a brutal dictator who oppresses, tortures, rapes, murders, and much worse- his own people.

Maybe you disagree with the reasons Bush is given. Maybe you do not buy into the weapons of mass destruction, the terrorist ties, the threats to our security- but there is a good reason for the war outside of that.

To oppose outsing Saddaam, for any reason, basically translates into supporting this brutal leader remaining in power. And I just have a tough time swallowing that anyone in this country, regardless of party, would support what this guy does to fellow human beings. It is just scary-

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